What are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers?

Electric vehicles continue to gain in popularity, and you’ll find Bolt EVs and Bolt EUVs throughout Henrico every day. And while many Glen Allen and Goochland drivers have already made the switch, others are still trying to learn the ins and outs of EV ownership. One big question we hear is “How do you charge your car with the different types of electric car chargers?”. Because electric car chargers are universal, all EV’s require the same standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Only the Tesla Supercharger uses a specialized plug that’s all its own design.

What Are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers?

There are three basic types of charger that you can use to power your EV: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. These charging stations differ in terms of power and speed, as well as setting. Compare the three below:

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 chargers add 3 to 5 miles to your EV per hour. While the slowest form of EV charging, Level 1 chargers simply use a common 120-volt household outlet. And though they are not the most convenient choice for an all-electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid has a much smaller battery and a much shorter charging time. So if you are a low-mileage PHEV driver in Henrico, a Level 1 charger may be sufficient.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging can add anywhere from 12 to 80 miles to your EV per hour. If you have a fully electric vehicle, stepping up to a Level 2 charger will give you greater peace of mind in Glen Allen. You can have a Level 2 charging station professionally installed in your own garage and top off your battery as you please. Level 2 charging stations are also the most common public charging stations that you’ll find around the Goochland area.

Level 3 Charging

Level 3 charging is the fastest of them all, with a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles per minute. That’s because Level 3 chargers use a direct current, while Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use an alternating current. Because of the higher voltage used, Level 3 chargers are not suitable for home use and found exclusively in public charging stations.

Learn More About EVs with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Richmond

We’ve gone through the different types of electric car chargers, but if you still have questions about EV ownership, don’t hesitate to contact us. Whether you want to check out the Hummer EV or discuss charging options with our experts, we’re happy to answer your electric car service questions in Richmond.